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SINGAPORE : Network equipment provider Cisco will invest up to S$27 million over the next three years to set up an innovation centre in Singapore.
The centre, which is supported by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, will help businesses reach out to their customers via ultra high-speed broadband network.
When the next generation broadband infrastructure is ready in 2012, businesses will be able tap on the network to offer new services to customers.
For example, patients could obtain medical advice from the comfort of their home instead of going down to the hospital.
And to help businesses find out just how they can leverage on the broadband technology to serve customers better, Cisco's innovation centre will provide a platform for businesses to develop and test out new retail services.
Wim Elfrink, chief globalisation officer, Cisco Services, said: "We think that with the Intelligent Nation 2015 (blueprint), Singapore has developed from a business point of view what they want to do - but they are also investing in the technology. The implementation of the new next generation broadband that will be unique in the world, and will create the opportunity to start all kinds of new services.
"As chief globalisation officer, I always look at innovation, where is it taking place, where will we have a view of all the new things that are possible, and we think that Singapore is uniquely positioned to develop all these types of services."
Cisco has yet to confirm a location for the centre, which is due to open in July 2009. It said it will start operations from its current office at Capital Tower until then.
Businesses will have to pay a fee for using the centre's services, although Cisco said businesses can save costs by leveraging on the experienced development team at the centre, rather than building an internal team from scratch.
Developments created by the centre are expected to contribute up to S$403 million to Singapore's economy, and create some 1,800 high-value IT jobs by 2015.
For smaller businesses looking to get a slice of the action, Cisco said it will work with academic institutions to develop technologies for small- and medium-sized companies.
The centre in Singapore may be the first globally, starting with just 10 engineers, but Cisco expects other countries, especially in emerging markets, to develop such centres in the coming years. - CNA/ms
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